St Helens Duver Pillbox

In preparation for and during World War II, the island went into full defensive mode because of its strategic location. If the Germans were planning an invasion, it seemed probable that they would want to seize it as soon as possible to establish a safe beachhead from which to start their lightning-fast blitzkrieg campaign.

The War Office anticipated this possibility, so it developed a number of defence systems and made preparations at key locations to slow down any advance forces in the event of an evasion. Among these measures was the strategic placement of several pillboxes around the Island.

You may learn more about the unique construction of each pillbox by following the link provided.

Since there has been so much work done on the sea wall at the Duver, it is difficult to tell how big the actual pillbox is because it is right up against the wall on the beach. The pillbox probably housed a small gun position and provided cover.

Please get in touch with Island Eye if you have any other information regarding this pillbox.

• http://www.pillbox-study-group.org.uk

• https://www.iwhistory.org.uk/HER/0805pillboxes.htm#MIW2796